For about forty years, the former students of what was once the youth group of Our Lady of El Espino have returned to the spiritual and intellectual roots that shaped us as individuals and moulded our character. It is a much-anticipated time of year because we are scattered throughout Spain, and although we keep in touch, we always look forward to the opportunity to embrace our friends, express our gratitude for the experiences we shared during our Redemptorist formation, and remember our former teachers.
This year, 2026, the meeting at the Monastery of El Espino took place from June 22nd to 24th.
The program for our meetings is structured in three parts:
- Formative: Every year we address a current issue within the Congregation. Last year we discussed the topic of “The New Province of Southern Europe.” This year ’s topic was “Saint Gerard.”
- Cultural: Our gatherings always include a visit to a nearby site. This year it was the Collegiate Church of Santa María in the town of Valpuesta, considered the first cathedral of Burgos and one of the origins of the Castilian language. Cultural activities provide an opportunity to foster community.
- Liturgical: If a Redemptorist priest joins us, we celebrate the Eucharist; for the past few years, with a few exceptions, we have been joined by Father José Luis Bartolomé. When he has been unable to attend, we hold a Liturgy of the Word. Every liturgical service concludes with the singing of the hymn to Our Lady of El Espino.
After celebrating the Eucharist, we shared the products that each person had brought from their respective locations in a “Gaudeamus.”
We concluded the meeting with the association’s annual assembly, where the financial report was presented, the annual membership fee was set, and the donation to the NGO we collaborate with was determined. Before the assembly ended, the topic for the next meeting and the dates were decided.
After the fraternal meal, we said goodbye with the desire and hope of seeing each other again.
Former students of the Youth School of Our Lady of El Espino
